Struggle Jennings is a rapper from Nashville, Tennessee, who has made a name for himself in the country rap genre. He is known for his gritty lyrics, outlaw attitude, and collaborations with artists like Yelawolf, Jelly Roll, and Adam Calhoun. But many people wonder if he has any connection to the legendary country singer Waylon Jennings, who was also known as an outlaw in the music industry. Is Struggle Jennings related to Waylon Jennings? Let’s find out.
The Family Ties
The answer is yes, Struggle Jennings is related to Waylon Jennings, but not by blood. Struggle Jennings is the step-grandson of Waylon Jennings. His grandmother is Jessi Colter, a country music star who was married to Waylon from 1969 until his death in 2002. Struggle’s grandfather is Duane Eddy, a rock guitarist who was married to Jessi before she met Waylon. Struggle’s mother is Jenni Eddy Jennings, who is Jessi and Duane’s daughter. Struggle’s uncle is Shooter Jennings, who is Jessi and Waylon’s son.
Struggle was born William Harness on May 31, 1980. He adopted the stage name Struggle Jennings from his uncle Shooter, who gave him the nickname when he was a child. Struggle grew up listening to rap music and was influenced by artists like Tupac Shakur, N.W.A., and Ice Cube. He also had a close relationship with his step-grandfather Waylon, who was a father figure to him and taught him about music and life.
The Music Career
Struggle started rapping when he was a teenager and formed a group called The Struggle with his friends. He also got involved in drug dealing and other illegal activities, which led him to prison several times. In 2011, he was sentenced to five years for federal gun and drug charges. While he was incarcerated, he released his debut album I Am Struggle in 2013, which featured a guest appearance by Yelawolf on the song Outlaw Shit.
In 2016, he was released from prison and signed with Yelawolf’s label Slumerican. He released his second album Return of the Outlaw EP, which included a tribute song to Waylon called Black Curtains. He also collaborated with Jelly Roll on a series of albums called Waylon & Willie, which paid homage to Waylon and Willie Nelson’s friendship and music. The first album came out in 2017 and reached number 11 on the Billboard Rap Albums chart.
In 2018, Struggle released his third album The Widow’s Son, which featured guest appearances by Bubba Sparxxx, Jeremy Penick, Julie Roberts, Alexander King, and Yelawolf. The album reached number 8 on the iTunes Alternative chart. He also released an EP with his mother Jenni Eddy Jennings called Spiritual Warfare and an EP with his daughter Brianna Harness called Sunny Days.
In 2019, he released his fourth album Angels & Outlaws with his guitarist Trap DeVille and his daughter Brianna Harness. The album peaked at number 8 on the iTunes Alternative chart. He also released a collaboration album with Adam Calhoun called Legends in 2020, which reached number 1 on the iTunes Rap chart.
In 2021, he released his fifth album Troubadour of Troubled Souls and a second collaboration album with Adam Calhoun called Outlaw Shit, which also reached number 1 on the iTunes Rap chart. He also announced a tour with Tommy Vext called God Bless the Outlaws.
The Conclusion
Struggle Jennings is one of the most successful and influential artists in the country rap genre. He has overcome many challenges and hardships in his life and has used his music as a way to express himself and inspire others. He has also honored his family legacy by incorporating elements of country music into his rap style and paying tribute to his step-grandfather Waylon Jennings.
Struggle Jennings is related to Waylon Jennings by marriage, but he is also related by spirit. He shares Waylon’s passion for music, authenticity, and rebellion. He is an outlaw rapper who carries on the tradition of outlaw country.
